Wartime atmosphere takes over Pateley Bridge in authentic fashion

The spirit of wartime Britain was evoked in Pateley Bridge all weekend long as the North Yorkshire market town reverted back to something like it would have been in the 1940s.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2017, 13:58 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 13:02 BST
Jo Mayven with her children (left to right) Amy, nine, Jim, six, and Ryan Williams, seven, dressed in period clothing on the high street. PIC: Gary LongbottomJo Mayven with her children (left to right) Amy, nine, Jim, six, and Ryan Williams, seven, dressed in period clothing on the high street. PIC: Gary Longbottom
Jo Mayven with her children (left to right) Amy, nine, Jim, six, and Ryan Williams, seven, dressed in period clothing on the high street. PIC: Gary Longbottom

Residents, shopkeepers and visitors dressed in period clothing were joined by re-enactors in military uniforms from the armed forces for an authentic representation of the way things were.

A particularly eye-catching reminder of this defining period in world history was the presence of a full-size Spitfire plane at the showground next to the River Nidd.

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A 1940s wedding was acted out in the Methodist church and wartime songs were performed on the High Street.

Vintage bus rides were on offer, an RAF “plotting room” was set up and a remembrance service was followed by a poppy drop yesterday.

The Home Guard patrolled the streets where a Bevin Boy, Land Army Girls and evacuees could also be spotted walking past shops, cafes and pubs which had their windows taped up as a reminder of the aerial threat posed by German bombers.

The event was organised by Nidderdale Chamber of Trade.

Related topics:Pateley BridgeBritainNorth YorkshireHome GuardResidents